The visit led to the further strengthening of Sri Lanka - Myanmar Relations, in areas such as trade and commerce, cultural affairs, tourism, and the continuing good relations Buddhist Affairs.

President Rajapaksa was met on his return at the Bandaranaike International Airport to Sri Lanka by the Chief Minister of the Western Province Mr. Prasanna Ranatunga.

During his visit to Myanmar the President told the Myanmar leaders that the priority of the Sri Lankan government is to rehabilitate the war torn region and bring normalcy to the lives of the people affected by decades of terrorism. He expressed satisfaction at being able to successfully conclude the humanitarian operation against terrorism and said his visit to Myanmar is the first to a foreign country after this victory.

"Everybody in Sri Lanka could live together in equality and harmony in accordance with the teachings of Buddhism", he said.

During his visit President Rajapaksa met with senior leaders of Myanmar including State, Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and Prime Minister General Thein Sein. They explained to President Rajapaksa the political and social changes that have taken place in Myanmar since independence.

The Head of State of Myanmar accepted an invitation extended to him by President Rajapaksa to visit Sri Lanka.

President Rajapaksa appreciated the Government of Myanmar for the support and co-operation extended to prevent drug trafficking and other crimes in the region and also expressed his gratitude for the donation of US$ 50,000 for the welfare of the IDPs in the north. He also thanked Senior General Than Shwe and the Government of Myanmar for the hospitality afforded to him and the Sri Lankan delegation.

During the bilateral talks it was agreed to update the Air Services Agreement signed between the two countries in 1950 and the two delegations also signed two Memorandums of Understanding on promoting tourism between Sri Lanka and Myanmar, and on visa exemptions. Extensive discussions were also held on cooperation in 'religion, trade, economy, education, agriculture, tourism and transport.

It was also decided to offer two Myanmar Security Forces officers an annual scholarship for training at the Kotelawala Defence University.

During his visit President Mahinda Rajapaksa was warmly received at the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, by the Director General, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Buddhist Monks, Trustee of the Pagoda, Shwedagon U Ba Shwe and area Commanders of the Army.

Thereafter, the President and the Sri Lankan delegation participated in religious observances where they were blessed by the Buddhist monks who also chanted pirith.